Couple fit 50th defibrillator in friend's memory

A couple have completed their 50th community defibrillator installation in memory of a friend.

Bert and Sonia Diamond were motivated to install the equipment across Worcestershire after Bert's best friend, Adam, died of a heart attack 15 years ago.

Mr Diamond, an electrician, said there was no defibrillator nearby and he had "always believed it might have saved him".

Working alongside a local volunteer group, the couple have so far helped deploy 27 potentially life-saving defibrillators in Evesham and are expanding their work further.

Local charity Evesham Defibrillators helped to raise funds for the equipment, which was then fitted and tested free of charge by Diamond Electrical Installations.

"We're professional electrical installers, so this felt like a good way to give something back to the communities we're working in," Mrs Diamond added.

They have also been fitted in other areas of Worcestershire - in Barton, Church Lench, Worcester and Droitwich.

The couple are also replicating their community-first model in Gloucestershire and installed their first defibrillator there in Chipping Camden.

They are calling for councils, community groups, schools and businesses in the area to partner with them on the project.

"We've shown what's possible when local people pull together," Mr Diamond said.

"If communities can fund a defibrillator, we'll make sure it's safely installed and ready to go."

Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.